We’re a non-profit climate change think tank which uses data analysis to build evidence-based campaigns on climate policy
We focus on EU policies such as the EU Emissions Trading Scheme, carbon border adjustment mechanisms and emissions reductions in industrial sectors. We believe in Europe’s ability to lead climate action by example and use its large market and ability to stimulate technological competition as an incentive for others to follow. But we’re also aware of the risk that Europe might fail to deliver on its own pledges, which is why we want to get EU climate policy right.
Our Work
Carbon Pricing
Our research on the EU ETS and emission allowances, advocating for efficient carbon pricing mechanisms and concrete ways to drive emission reductions.
Industry
Exploring the potential of electrification, circularity, and innovative technologies to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like steel, aluminium, and cement.
CBAM
Supporting a strong CBAM to phase out the allocation of free emission allowances, address carbon leakage, and accelerate global climate action.
Financing
Our analysis of EU funding initiatives driving climate innovation and industrial decarbonisation. Ensuring revenues from the EU ETS and CBAM are well spent.
Data Tools
Our data visualisation and simulation tools, allowing EU policymakers to gain unique insights and implement informed climate policies.
Publications
European Commission lets recycled steel down in regulation proposal
Sandbag and 12 other organisations – representing important environmental NGOs, think tanks and the European recycling industry – have co-signed a letter addressed to Members of the European...
Flat Steel in the Free Allocation Regulation
Following the revision of the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) Directive in April 2023, the European Commission was mandated to review the Free Allocation Regulation, which establishes the...
The European Hydrogen Bank Confirms a Blind Support Approach
The Commission has recently published the Terms & Conditions (T&C) for the pilot auction of the European Hydrogen Bank (EHB) taking place on the 23rd of November 2023, in an attempt to meet...
Feedback on the Draft of the CBAM Implementing Regulation
We welcome the Commission's draft of the CBAM implementing regulation concerning the reporting obligations and provisional methodology for calculating embedded emissions in CBAM goods. However, we...
Supply and Demand in the EU ETS: Powering Through the Cap
The reform of the EU’s carbon market and the free allocation regulation is now voted on. The deal was wrapped in December 2022 and was barely different from what the Commission had proposed nearly...
Fixing the Innovation Fixation
Joint blog with Carbon Market Watch25 May 2023 Sandbag's feedback to the EC25 May 2023 The EU’s Innovation Fund, launched in 2018, is the EU’s programme for funding cutting-edge low-carbon...
TESTIMONIALS
Sandbag is recognised as a top global climate think-tank

Mundo-b Matogné. Rue d'Edimbourg 26, Ixelles 1050 Belgium.
Sandbag is a not-for-profit (ASBL) organisation registered in Belgium under the number 0707.935.890.
EU transparency register no. 277895137794-73.
VAT: BE0707935890.